The True Relationship Between Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland: A Hollywood Bond

Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland are two iconic stars of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Both women left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with their immense talent, dazzling beauty, and memorable performances. However, beyond their on-screen presence, fans have long speculated about the nature of their personal relationship. Were these two Hollywood legends friends, rivals, or something in between? This article delves into the real dynamic between Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland.



Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland both began their careers at young ages under the bright lights of Hollywood. Judy Garland, best known for her role in The Wizard of Oz (1939), had already established herself as a star by the time Elizabeth Taylor entered the scene. Taylor, famous for films like National Velvet (1944), quickly rose to stardom. Despite the difference in their ages—Garland being 11 years older than Taylor—the two shared the experience of growing up in the limelight.

Both actresses were under the control of MGM studios, which dictated much of their personal and professional lives. This shared experience of navigating the pressures of fame and the studio system likely fostered a sense of camaraderie between them.

Judy Garland faced personal and professional challenges throughout her career, including substance abuse, mental health issues, and tumultuous relationships. Elizabeth Taylor, though living a different personal life, also faced her share of struggles, including multiple marriages, health issues, and the constant scrutiny of the public.

While their public interactions were limited, there are accounts of Taylor being supportive of Garland during her darker periods. Garland’s daughter, Lorna Luft, has mentioned that Taylor, who had her own challenges with addiction, had a deep empathy for Garland. Taylor's understanding of Garland’s struggles might have fostered a bond between them, rooted in compassion and shared hardship.

Although there is no substantial record of them being close friends, it is widely believed that there was a mutual respect between Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland. Taylor admired Garland’s immense talent, while Garland likely respected Taylor’s strength and resilience. In fact, during the height of their careers, both women expressed admiration for each other's work in interviews.

Garland’s tragic passing in 1969 deeply affected many in Hollywood, and Taylor was no exception. Though Taylor did not publicly speak much about Garland after her death, it’s clear that she, along with many others in the industry, was moved by the loss of one of the greatest entertainers of her time.

What linked Taylor and Garland more than anything else was their shared experience of the rollercoaster of fame. Both women faced the highs of unparalleled success and the lows of intense personal struggle. Hollywood’s studio system was notorious for exploiting its stars, and both Taylor and Garland were victims of the industry’s pressures.

Garland, whose struggles with addiction and mental health were public, was seen as a tragic figure by many. Taylor, while also facing her own demons, was often portrayed as a survivor, someone who fought back against the same pressures that crushed Garland. In this way, the two women represented different outcomes of the same system, which may have deepened their empathy for one another.

In conclusion, the relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland was not one of overt friendship or rivalry. Instead, it was a connection rooted in shared experiences and mutual respect. Both women were pioneers in Hollywood, setting a precedent for future generations of stars. Although their paths may not have crossed often publicly, the empathy they likely shared for one another’s struggles speaks volumes about the bond between these two Hollywood legends.

By understanding the challenges both faced in their careers, we can better appreciate the quiet but meaningful connection that existed between Elizabeth Taylor and Judy Garland.